The world languages curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and the National World Language Standards. The overarching objective for all world languages curricula is linguistic and cultural proficiency. These are the enduring understandings that guide our work:
- Culture is the products, practices and perspectives of a group of people.
- Language is a vehicle for culture and reflects a culture's norms and mores.
- Language and culture evolve over time.
- Our language and culture influence the way we see the world.
- Studying other languages and cultures broadens our perspective on our own culture and the world.
In all classes, language is taught in a communicative context, and from the earliest levels students apply what they learn to read, write, speak and listen in the target language. For students of Latin the emphasis is on using the language to read, translate and understand authentic texts in Latin.
All beginning language courses are college preparatory. Upper-level courses (2 through 5) are offered at both the college preparatory and the honors level. Both college preparatory and honors levels are rigorous courses in which students learn both language and culture. The difference is that the honors courses advance at a faster pace and students are expected to apply newly-learned language structures more quickly.
Advanced Levels and Travel Programs
Travel to another country offers students the opportunity to hone their language skills in meaningful, authentic contexts while also deepening their understanding of target language cultures. In 2023, BHS students had the opportunity to travel to Spain and France, and we are actively exploring other travel opportunities for the future.